For the first time since January 5, 2022, I finally got to see the team I was rooting for to win a game.
Those close to me know about the “JB Jinx” where I go to a game and my team loses. Before Sunday’s Ravens vs Seahawks game, I was a solid 0-3 on the season at professional sporting events. So far in 2023 I have suffered a heartbreaking loss on New Year’s Day to the Steelers last season in Week 17 and a pair of Carolina Hurricanes losses in the NHL Playoffs in May.
As stated, the last win my favorite team had while I was present was on January 5, 2022 where the Pittsburgh Penguins earned a 6-4 win over the St. Louis Blues.
On a positive note, the game was also the first Ravens home game I got to see them victorious and my record at M&T Bank Stadium is now 1-1. As a Ravens fan since 2008, I have only been to those two games at M&T. Baltimore isn’t even a far drive for me (3 hours, 45 minutes) yet I’ve only been to two (What kind of fan am I?).
Either way it was awesome seeing the Ravens win and win via blowout. I haven’t gotten to experience that live since my first Ravens game in 2016 when they blew out the Browns (0-16 that season). Between that time I’ve seen them defeat the Bills (2019) and lose to the Steelers twice (2021 and 2022 seasons). My all time record is now 3-2 when going to see the Ravens so it’s nice to be above .500 for once.
My five takeaways from the game:
- I love the city of Baltimore.
Instead of parking close to the stadium, I parked in a garage by the Baltimore Aquarium and took a 20 minute walk. It was a nice mid 60s day so the walk past the Harbour and the Baltimore Orioles park was worth the walk. The vibes were awesome on the Ravens Walk and it was great seeing a sea of purple everywhere with fans repping Ravens jerseys left and right.
- Keaton Mitchell is legit
If you aren’t a Ravens fan you probably had no clue who Keaton Mitchell is. Ever since he’s been activated I’ve wanted him to get more carries and he finally got them. Nine carries for 138 yards and a touchdown. He finally had his breakout game and no one in Baltimore is surprised. Mitchell balled out in the preseason (yes, i know it’s the preseason), but regardless his breakaway speed is no joke and with the absence of JK Dobbins he’s the real replacement and he’s just getting started.
- Ravens defense is special
The Seattle Seahawks were the division leaders at 5-2 and got stomped, 37-3. Two weeks ago, the Ravens topped the division leading Detroit Lions (5-1 at the time) by a score of 38-6. The defense currently leads the league in opponent points per game at 13.6. Geno Stone leads the NFL with 6 interceptions, Justin Madubuike is having a career year with 7.5 sacks and a franchise record of six straight games with a sack, Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen might be the best inside linebacker duo in the NFL and the Ravens secondary is quietly having a good season behind Brandon Stephens and Marlon Humphrey. The Ravens are currently on pace to be as good as the 2000 Ravens defense.
- 2019 Vibes
The 2019 season was special as a Ravens fan. Lamar Jackson had his breakout year on his way to an MVP award, BIG TRUSS was in full swing with everyone on the team having fun and nobody could seem to stop the Ravens until the Tennessee Titans spoiled the party that year in the Divisional round. I want to say this year is different. The Ravens were a couple drops and a 61 yard field goal away from being undefeated this season. Lamar isn’t a second year quarterback this time around and he has more quality receivers this year than he did in 2019. But for the first time since 2019, I think the players are having fun. The last couple seasons have been painful to say the least but after seeing the sideline reaction for Keaton Mitchells first career touchdown and Odell Beckham Jr’s first score, I’d say the vibes are good in the Charm City. Not to mention I’ve seen Tyler Huntley come into the game in the 4th quarter to finish the game with a big lead, It really does feel like 2019.
- Lamar Jackson should be a MVP candidate
I may be biased, but you can’t overlook some of Lamars stats. Leading the league in completion % is a huge step for the quarterback who “can’t throw” or “only runs”. In fact, he seems to run less than I’ve ever seen and instead sits in the pocket or scrambles to make space so he can attempt a pass. Most of his sacks this year have been him holding the ball too long. If he can stay healthy, I think he has a better season than his 2019 MVP season. He looks comfortable in Todd Monkens new offense and has made a lot more big plays through the air than with his legs. While his touchdown pass numbers aren’t at the top of the lead, the Ravens have proved success in running the ball. They lead the league with 1443 rushing yards and are tied with the Miami Dolphins with 17 rushing touchdowns. Lamar doesn’t need to pad stats in the red zone when running the ball is just as effective. That might be a con to why he won’t get the MVP but we’re still halfway through the season with a lot of season left.
Overall, the team is giving me hope this season so I really hope they don’t disappoint me again because this one might hurt more than previous seasons. Despite the record, the Ravens still have a lot of big games coming up so the real tests begin next week with the Cleveland Browns (5-3) on Sunday and the Cincinnati Bengals (5-3) on Thursday. Ravens were victorious in the first two games against the Browns and Bengals this season but the Browns defense is still top in the league and the Benals will have a healthier Joe Burrow this time around. If Baltimore can go 2-0 in the next two weeks. I’d say they’re a team to beat in the AFC.
